Different Types of Flooding

2/22/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding is usually caused by rain or snow melting on top of impermeable surfaces like roofs and sidewalks, which causes these rare events when the water spills into basements or crawlspaces. Water can find its way into your home through cracks in foundation walls, gaps in utility lines, or leaky windows and doors. If you do not take pre-emptive measures to prevent flooding, you are putting your home at risk of lasting damage that can lead to significant expenses down the road. Here are some examples of flooding that can happen in homes:

1. Sewer Flooding

Flooding your basement can prove disastrous. Water might force its way into your basement through improper drainage or sewer lines that have become clogged. You have to be wary of possible damage to your pipes and appliances, such as water damage from broken pipes, rotted wood, and mold. Sewer flooding is more common in older homes with faulty septic systems or no septic system at all. This kind of flooding can often be prevented by scheduling regular maintenance on your septic system.

2. Rainwater Damage

Rain Water Damage also causes flooding in homes, particularly in areas with very heavy rainfall. Heavy rainfalls can lead to water seeping into foundations and walls, leading to a host of problems like mold, mildew, decay, and structural damage to your home. Overflowing gutters or faulty downspouts are usually the culprits of this kind of water damage. To avoid this type of flooding, make sure to clean out your gutters regularly, and have a rain gutter installation professional check for any possible damage.

3. Basement Flooding

Basement flooding usually occurs when water seeps through an area not properly waterproofed or drained, such as a gap in the foundation wall or roof, a leaky basement window, or an improperly installed sump pump. Water can also get into your basement through your toilet tank and pipes. The damage of basement flooding can be extensive. It can ruin your basement and its contents, plus do damage to other areas of your home. Basement flooding often requires expensive repairs that may be difficult to afford.

4. Water Intrusion

Water intrusion can be caused by a leaky sump pump or drain pipe that has become clogged with debris. Water can also find its way into your home through a small gap between the base of the foundation wall and the ground. This type of flooding is usually caused by poor drainage or overcrowding in your basement. Water intrusion can also take place during heavy building rainfalls.